Resorbable release mechanism for a surgical tether and methods of use

Abstract

The present application is directed to tethers and methods of use. The tether is attached with anchors to bony members within the patient. The tether applies a tensile force to the bony members to reduce and/or eliminate the abnormality of the bony members. The tether includes a release mechanism with a resorbable material that initially maintains the tether in a shortened orientation. The release mechanism is eventually releases the tether to a lengthened orientation. The release mechanism may prevent the need for a subsequent surgery to release tension from the tether as the patient grows.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of treating a deformity in bony members comprising:
 attaching a tether to a first bony member with a first anchor; 
 attaching the tether to a second bony member with a second anchor; 
 positioning a release mechanism comprising an absorbable button having apertures operatively connected to the tether by threading the tether through the apertures to form a curved section between the apertures, said release mechanism is positioned between the first and second anchors such that a length of the tether remains substantially constant until the release mechanism absorbs into the body; and 
 after the tether has been attached to the first and second anchors for an extended period of time, the release mechanism is absorbed into the body causing the tether to straighten and increase in length between the first and second anchors while the tether and release mechanism are in situ and as the release mechanism is absorbed into the body. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of causing the release mechanism to increase the length of the tether between the first and second anchors comprises releasing the curved section of the tether as the release mechanism is absorbed into the body. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising extending the tether diagonally between the bony members to correct a rotational deformity of the bony members. 
     
     
       4. A method of treating a deformity in bony members comprising:
 attaching a tether with a release mechanism comprising a button having apertures, to first and second bony members such that a length of the tether remains substantially constant until the release mechanism is absorbed into the body; 
 while the release mechanism is in situ, causing the release mechanism to gradually release a curved section of the tether and increasing the length of the tether between the first and second bony members as the release mechanism is being absorbed into the body.